Counterbalance Forklift Training Courses
Anybody who uses a counterbalanced lift truck should have training, based on Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations. Training includes a combination of classroom training and hands-on driver training. Refresher training is needed occasionally in order to keep operator skills up to date. OSHA does not specify a minimum time requirement for either the hands-on or classroom training.
Counterbalanced Forklifts
The counterbalance lift truck is able to balance its cargo because of a counterbalance built into the truck. Tines could move up and down parallel to the body of the truck. The blades do not rotate. Operators who utilize counterbalanced lift trucks must receive training on the specific trucks they will be driving and in the same workplace environment.
Classroom Training Courses
The forklift driver will learn the basics of the model of lift truck they would be using in classroom training. They will learn info about the forklifts specific things such as weight, load and height capacity. The driver will be taught the basics of fueling or charging the forklift, depending on whether it is a gas-powered or battery-powered engine. Safety information pertaining to the particular truck, such as how to safely walk around the forklift, would be included.
Supervised Driving
Supervised driver training would make sure that the lift truck driver knows how to use the counterbalanced forklift. This practical training course would take place in the same kind of setting in which the operator would be working. The driver will train with the same types of nearby buildings and other structures on the same type of terrain, as well as similar vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Refresher Training
Although OSHA requires periodic refresher training for counterbalanced lift truck operators, there are no specifications that determine the frequency of refresher training or its contents. Then again, for regular operators, refresher training programs should incorporate classroom-style training.